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Obama: Take Time to Honor Troops, Families

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2011  President Barack Obama pointed out the importance of honoring military families’ contributions and sacrifices in his proclamation declaring Nov. 20-26 National Family Week.

“Our troops and military families serve with valor at home and overseas, and as a nation we have a moral obligation to serve these patriots as well as they have served us,” the president wrote.

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, launched the Joining Forces campaign earlier this year to better fulfill this promise to troops, veterans and their families, the president said. The initiative is intended to raise awareness of the challenges military families face and to challenge Americans to make a difference in their lives.

As loved ones gather for the holidays, Obama urged all Americans to pause to give thanks to those who share in the “trials and triumphs of our lives.”

“Our families illuminate our days and bring meaning to our years, and their love has the power to see us through our greatest challenges,” he said. “This week and throughout the year, let us strive to give back to our friends, families, communities and neighbors, and to work together in pursuit of our highest ambitions.”

The president urged states, communities and individuals to take part in ceremonies and activities that celebrate the nation’s families throughout the week.

“This week, we celebrate the threads of compassion and unity that tie our families together, enrich our communities and strengthen the fabric of our nation,” he wrote.

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The opinions expressed in the following comments do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Defense.

11/21/2011 2:48:11 PM
Some tools for Veterans and Families to stay connected. http://www.googleforveterans.com/
Whether you served, have a family member who served, or just want to express your gratitude for those who have, you can make a tribute video and post. Share your story, some Veteran advice, or just a simple thanks by uploading a video to http://www.youtube.com/veterans/- Jim Young, Reston, VA

11/21/2011 2:43:37 PM
I am sorry, but I truly dislike the President making his speech/proclamation in getting everyone else to recognize the military and their families. If he truly believes in his words then he needs to show action, like quit being politically correct to the other countries and be that for our own country. If you see the majority of the military people's comments I see on FB (and probably any other social pages), you would see that there is no respect for the President because he truly has no respect for our military or the US. Last, if he wants to &quot;serve&quot; our patriots, then he needs to cut his own pay and all government officials' pay to give to the soldiers'. I say that because anybody can stand at a podium and belt out speeches. Can he stand in a line of fire and hope to goodness he don't get shot at or blown up? Of course not! He has secret service to protect his body. Our military protect him and the US with their own bodies. That's all I have to say.- Guest, TX